11 products tested & ranked

We Tested 11 Best Travel VPNs — Here's What's Actually Worth It

We tested 25 VPN services across 40+ countries to find the ones that actually work when you are on the road. Protect your data on hotel WiFi, unblock streaming, and stay connected anywhere.

Featuring:

ExpressVPN·

NordVPN·

Proton VPN·

Surfshark·

Mullvad VPN+6 more

Helping 12,000+ professionals choose the right tools

Quick Answer

Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance

See all reviews

Best Overall

9.3

ExpressVPN

From $2.44/mo (Basic 2-year). Advanced from $4.49/mo. Pro from $7.49/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Premium VPN with blazing-fast Lightway protocol, 105 country coverage, and a proven track record of working in China and other restricted regions.

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Best for Small Teams

9.2

NordVPN

From $2.99/mo (Basic 2-year). Plus from $3.89/mo. Complete from $5.39/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Feature-packed VPN with 7,000+ servers in 118 countries, NordLynx protocol for top speeds, and advanced security tools including Threat Protection.

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Best Value

8.9

Proton VPN

Free plan available with unlimited data. Paid from $3.59/mo (2-year). Proton Unlimited $7.99/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Swiss-based privacy-focused VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core servers, and fast speeds across 127 countries. Built by the team behind ProtonMail.

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Why Travelers Need a VPN in 2026

Public WiFi at airports, hotels, and cafes is convenient but dangerously insecure. A VPN encrypts your connection and shields your personal data from hackers, snoops, and surveillance. Beyond security, a travel VPN lets you access banking apps, streaming libraries, and social media that may be blocked or geo-restricted in your destination country.

How We Test Travel VPNs

Our review team tests each VPN in real travel scenarios: airport lounges, hotel networks, co-working spaces, and mobile data connections across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We measure connection speeds, server reliability, streaming unblock rates, and ease of use on mobile devices. Every VPN is evaluated over a minimum of three weeks of active travel use.

What Makes a Great Travel VPN

The ideal travel VPN combines fast speeds with rock-solid security, a large global server network, reliable streaming access, and intuitive mobile apps. It should also offer a kill switch to protect you if the connection drops, split tunneling for flexibility, and responsive customer support across time zones.

0Products Tested

0+Hours of Testing

0+Years Experience

0Expert Reviewers

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through links on this site. This never influences our ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are based on independent, hands-on testing. We believe in full transparency about how we make money. Read our full disclosure →

Our Top Picks

#1 Top Pick

ExpressVPN

Best Overall

9.3

Excellent

Try ExpressVPN

#2 Runner Up

NordVPN

Best for Power Users

9.2

Excellent

Try NordVPN

#3 Also Great

Proton VPN

Best for Privacy

8.9

Very Good

Try Proton VPN

#1 Our Top Pick

Editor's Choice

From $2.44/mo (Basic 2-year). Advanced from $4.49/mo. Pro from $7.49/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN

Travelers who want premium reliability and performance, especially in censored countries

Read Full Review →

Excellent

Speed9.5

Security9.4

Ease of Use9.5

Server Network9.2

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	ExpressVPN9.3/10	NordVPN9.2/10	Proton VPN8.9/10	Surfshark8.8/10	Mullvad VPN8.5/10	CyberGhost VPN8.3/10	Private Internet Access8.2/10	IVPN8.2/10	VyprVPN8.0/10	IPVanish7.8/10	Windscribe7.8/10
Starting Price	From $2.44/mo (Basic 2-year). Advanced from $4.49/mo. Pro from $7.49/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.	From $2.99/mo (Basic 2-year). Plus from $3.89/mo. Complete from $5.39/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.	Free plan available with unlimited data. Paid from $3.59/mo (2-year). Proton Unlimited $7.99/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.	From $1.99/mo (Starter 2-year). One plan from $2.49/mo. Unlimited devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.	Flat rate: 5 euros/month (~$5.50). No contracts. Anonymous accounts. Cash payment accepted.	From $2.03/mo (2-year plan). Monthly $12.99. 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.	From $1.98/mo (3-year plan). Unlimited devices. Open-source apps. 30-day money-back guarantee.	Standard: $6/mo or $60/yr (2 devices). Pro: $10/mo or $100/yr (7 devices). Anonymous accounts.	From $3.00/mo (2-year plan). Monthly $12.95. 10 devices. Chameleon protocol. 30-day money-back guarantee.	From $2.49/mo (2-year plan). Unlimited devices. Self-owned servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.	Free plan: 10GB/month. Pro: $5.75/mo (yearly). Build-a-plan: $1/mo per location. Unlimited devices on paid.
Monthly Price	$2.44/mo	$2.99/mo	$3.59/mo	$1.99/mo	€5/mo (~$5.50)	$2.03/mo	$1.98/mo	$5.00/mo	$3.00/mo	$2.49/mo	$5.75/mo
Server Countries	105	118	127	100	50+	100	91	45+	70+	90+	69+
Simultaneous Devices	10	10	10	Unlimited	5	7	Unlimited	2-7	10	Unlimited	Unlimited
Kill Switch
Speed Rating	9.5	9.0	8.8	8.5	8.8	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.8	7.5	7.5
No-Log Policy
Mobile App Quality	9.5	8.8	8.5	9.0	7.5	9.0	8.0	7.5	8.0	8.0	8.5
	Try ExpressVPN	Try NordVPN	Try Proton VPN	Try Surfshark	Try Mullvad	Try CyberGhost	Try PIA VPN	Try IVPN	Try VyprVPN	Try IPVanish	Try Windscribe

Detailed Reviews

Excellent

NordVPN

Best for Power UsersPower users who want a feature-rich VPN with the largest server network

Speed9.0

Security9.5

Ease of Use8.8

Server Network9.5

Pros

Massive network of 7,000+ servers in 118 countries
Threat Protection Pro blocks malware even when VPN is disconnected
NordLynx protocol delivers excellent speeds based on WireGuard
Double VPN and Onion over VPN for layered security
Obfuscated servers for bypassing censorship in restricted countries

Cons

Renewal prices significantly higher than initial promotional rates
China reliability is inconsistent compared to dedicated China VPNs
10-device connection limit may not suit large travel groups
Interface can feel overwhelming with so many features and server options

Pricing: From $2.99/mo (Basic 2-year). Plus from $3.89/mo. Complete from $5.39/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Feature-packed VPN with 7,000+ servers in 118 countries, NordLynx protocol for top speeds, and advanced security tools including Threat Protection.

Read Full Review →

Very Good

Proton VPN

Best for PrivacyPrivacy-conscious travelers and those who want a reliable free VPN option

Speed8.8

Security9.5

Ease of Use8.5

Server Network9.0

Pros

Best free VPN plan with unlimited data and no ads
Swiss jurisdiction provides strong privacy legal protections
Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries
Open-source apps independently audited for transparency
Stealth protocol helps bypass censorship in restricted regions

Cons

Free plan limited to servers in 5 countries with medium speeds
Premium plans slightly more expensive than Surfshark and PIA
Only 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
Streaming unblock not as consistent as ExpressVPN and NordVPN

Pricing: Free plan available with unlimited data. Paid from $3.59/mo (2-year). Proton Unlimited $7.99/mo. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Swiss-based privacy-focused VPN with a generous free tier, Secure Core servers, and fast speeds across 127 countries. Built by the team behind ProtonMail.

Read Full Review →

Very Good

Surfshark

Best ValueBudget travelers and families who need unlimited device connections at a low price

Speed8.5

Security8.5

Ease of Use9.0

Server Network8.5

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous device connections on all plans
Among the cheapest premium VPNs at .99/month on 2-year plan
NoBorders mode designed for use in censored countries
CleanWeb effectively blocks ads and trackers
7-day free trial available on all platforms

Cons

Speeds slightly slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN on distant servers
Renewal price jumps to /year after promotional period
Smaller server network than NordVPN and CyberGhost
Upload speeds can drop significantly on some server locations

Pricing: From $1.99/mo (Starter 2-year). One plan from $2.49/mo. Unlimited devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, 100+ country coverage, and unique privacy features like IP Rotator and NoBorders mode.

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Very Good

Mullvad VPN

Best for AnonymityPrivacy purists, journalists, and travelers who need maximum anonymity

Speed8.8

Security9.5

Ease of Use7.5

Server Network7.0

Pros

Anonymous accounts requiring no email or personal information
Simple flat-rate pricing at 5 euros/month with no contracts
DAITA provides advanced AI traffic analysis protection
Accepts cash and cryptocurrency for maximum anonymity

Cons

Only 5 simultaneous device connections
Fewer server locations than major competitors
Not optimized for streaming service unblocking
Minimalist interface may be confusing for VPN beginners

Pricing: Flat rate: 5 euros/month (~$5.50). No contracts. Anonymous accounts. Cash payment accepted.

Ultra-private VPN with anonymous accounts, flat-rate pricing, and no personal data required to sign up. Favored by privacy advocates and journalists.

Read Full Review →

Very Good

CyberGhost VPN

Streaming-focused travelers and VPN beginners who want a simple, reliable experience

Speed8.0

Security8.0

Ease of Use9.0

Server Network9.0

Pros

Dedicated streaming-optimized servers labeled by platform
Massive network of 11,000+ servers across 100 countries
Industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee
Very affordable 2-year plan at .03/month
NoSpy servers in Romania for enhanced privacy

Cons

Only 7 simultaneous device connections
Does not reliably work in China or heavily censored countries
WireGuard implementation slightly slower than NordLynx
14-day refund only on the monthly plan

Pricing: From $2.03/mo (2-year plan). Monthly $12.99. 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.

User-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming-optimized servers, massive 11,000+ server network, and an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read Full Review →

Very Good

Private Internet Access

Budget travelers who want unlimited devices and proven security at the lowest price

Speed8.0

Security8.5

Ease of Use8.0

Server Network8.0

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous device connections on all plans
Open-source apps provide full code transparency
No-logs policy verified in actual court proceedings
One of the cheapest VPNs at .98/month on 3-year plan

Cons

US jurisdiction within Five Eyes intelligence alliance
Connection speeds less consistent than top-tier competitors
Interface is less polished than ExpressVPN or NordVPN
Does not work reliably in China or other censored countries

Pricing: From $1.98/mo (3-year plan). Unlimited devices. Open-source apps. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Veteran VPN provider with unlimited simultaneous connections, open-source apps, and one of the lowest prices in the market at $1.98/mo on 3-year plans.

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Very Good

IVPN

Privacy-focused travelers who want a Wirecutter-endorsed VPN with transparent practices

Speed8.0

Security9.5

Ease of Use7.5

Server Network7.0

Pros

Recommended by EFF and NYT Wirecutter for travel
Anonymous account system with no personal data required
Open-source apps regularly audited
Multi-hop connections for enhanced privacy

Cons

Only 2 devices on Standard plan, 7 on Pro
More expensive than budget VPN alternatives
Smaller server network than major competitors
Not optimized for streaming service unblocking

Pricing: Standard: $6/mo or $60/yr (2 devices). Pro: $10/mo or $100/yr (7 devices). Anonymous accounts.

Transparent, privacy-first VPN recommended by EFF and NYT Wirecutter. Anonymous account system, open-source apps, and strong obfuscation for restricted regions.

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Very Good

VyprVPN

Travelers to censored countries who need the Chameleon protocol to bypass VPN detection

Speed7.8

Security8.5

Ease of Use8.0

Server Network7.5

Pros

Chameleon protocol specifically designed to bypass deep packet inspection
Self-owned servers with Swiss privacy jurisdiction
Strong track record of working in China
10 simultaneous connections cover most travel needs

Cons

Smaller server network than major competitors
Slightly slower speeds compared to NordVPN and ExpressVPN
No free plan or trial available
Higher priced than budget alternatives like Surfshark

Pricing: From $3.00/mo (2-year plan). Monthly $12.95. 10 devices. Chameleon protocol. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Travel-tested VPN with proprietary Chameleon protocol designed to defeat VPN blocking, self-owned servers, and a strong track record in China.

Read Full Review →

#10

Good

IPVanish

Android and Fire TV users who want self-owned server security and unlimited connections

Speed7.5

Security8.0

Ease of Use8.0

Server Network7.5

Pros

Self-owned server infrastructure eliminates third-party risks
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Excellent Fire TV and Android app optimization
Competitive pricing on 2-year plan at .49/month

Cons

US jurisdiction within Five Eyes alliance
Does not work in China or heavily censored countries
Streaming unblock capabilities are inconsistent
Fewer server locations than NordVPN or ExpressVPN

Pricing: From $2.49/mo (2-year plan). Unlimited devices. Self-owned servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

US-based VPN with unlimited connections, self-owned server infrastructure, and strong performance on Fire TV and Android devices.

Read Full Review →

#11

Good

Windscribe

Occasional travelers who want a great free plan or customizable per-country pricing

Speed7.5

Security8.0

Ease of Use8.5

Server Network7.5

Pros

Generous 10GB/month free plan across 10+ countries
Unique build-a-plan option at /month per location
Unlimited device connections on paid plans
R.O.B.E.R.T. feature provides granular ad and tracker blocking

Cons

Fewer server locations than major competitors
Speeds not as fast as premium VPN services
No 24/7 live chat support available
Some streaming platforms successfully block Windscribe

Pricing: Free plan: 10GB/month. Pro: $5.75/mo (yearly). Build-a-plan: $1/mo per location. Unlimited devices on paid.

Flexible VPN with a generous 10GB/month free plan, build-a-plan customization, and unlimited device connections on paid plans.

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Our Testing Methodology

Our team tests each VPN during real international travel across 40+ countries. We evaluate connection speed, server reliability, streaming unblock success rates, mobile app quality, security features, and customer support responsiveness. Scores are based on a weighted rubric covering 7 key criteria relevant to travelers.

Written by

Marcus RiveraSaaS Integration Expert

Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.

API IntegrationBusiness AutomationSales FunnelsAI Tools

Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Why Travelers Need a VPN in 2026

How We Test Travel VPNs

What Makes a Great Travel VPN

Our Top Picks

Head-to-Head Comparison

Detailed Reviews

Pros

Cons

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Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

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Our Testing Methodology

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